A/N: Hope you like my new cover image for this story! SO touched by the positive responses I've been getting and sorry for dropping cliffhangers again! While we all want our Klaine to just start a makeout session and ignore the drama around them, here's Ch.19 ;)
Chapter 19:: A Sky Full of Stars
Kurt had just arrived back at the penthouse when his watch read 7:15pm. He had just spent the day hanging out with Rachel and Quinn and dropping his messenger bag on a side table, it was when it hit him.
He's moving in with Blaine.
He had discussed to a very hyperactive and excited Rachel and Quinn earlier on about how he would need to pack up a few boxes back at his old Brooklyn apartment—after all, with his secretary-based salary, he only owned a number of furniture and items there.
Looking down at the front door key in his hand, his lips curve into a sweet smile, chuckling inwardly how such a small object now symbolizes so much more—how Blaine was letting him in, how they're moving in together, how they're growing closer and stronger together.
And with Thanksgiving at Ohio with his dad, stepmom and stepbrother coming up very soon, Kurt was both eager and anxious to introduce Blaine to his family back home. Dad better not threaten him with his baseball bat—
His thoughts were interrupted when Kurt's eyes fell upon a framed photograph on the wall of a much younger Blaine along with a taller, broad-shouldered man with distinct eyes, wavy hair, carefully-trimmed stubble and a slim-fit blazer as well as two older people: a grey-haired man that had Blaine's and the other man's facial bone structure, nose and sense of looking sharp and dapper and slightly-wrinkled woman whose smile reminded Kurt of Blaine's.
Blaine's family. He gulped. His boyfriend rarely talked about his family but when he does, Kurt could recalled that Blaine's brother was named Cooper who aspired to be an actor and moved to London a few years ago while his parents had passed away two years ago. There was a time when Blaine felt like he truly has a family. There was a time these four were together and happy, smiling and enjoying one another's presence.
What happened?
It made Kurt flash back to the day his dad told him that his mom was involved in a car accident when he's been just a young boy. He remembered how devastated and alone he felt when they buried his mom. It was among the reasons why Kurt gave up on religion, along with being bullied in high school.
Raising a hand to touch the framed, old photograph, Kurt notes how young Blaine was then as well. How vibrant, youthful and energetic he must've been back then.
What turned you into the cold, judgmental man people see you today, Blaine?
Sounds of the front door being unlocked and the following footsteps that trailed it made him drop the frame back in its place, forcing a smile, the sights of Blaine and Santana always warming his heart. Automatically, he rushes over to welcome them back and giving Blaine a chaste kiss.
Blaine reluctantly tore away with a nervous, troubled expression on his face, frown lines now visible as he felt-reached for Kurt's hand, squeezing it.
"How's your checkup? Was it okay?" He gently asked, hopeful, now noticing his hesitance at the question. "Blaine, what's—"
"I need to talk to you about something, Kurt." He cut in, a bit lip, knowing that Santana was watching them both, having told her the news after leaving the hospital. "It's...it's really important."
Silently nodding yet bewildered at his tone, he felt numb as he led Blaine to their bedroom, Santana quickly telling them she'd be starting on dinner then, both missing her anxious expression.
The soft rustling of bedsheets filled their ears as they sat on the edge, having closed the door and all of a sudden, Blaine's grip on his hands grew tighter, letting out a loud sigh.
"I lied," he muttered guiltily, head facing down, his conflicted expression throwing Kurt off. "It wasn't some semi-annual checkup. There's a reason I went down to the hospital today. And I'm so sorry for lying to you, I-I just—"
Concerned, "Blaine, what are you talking about?"
Another sigh, he shuffled closer to him and began recounting every detail of his visit...
30 minutes earlier
"Is it good news?" Blaine asked anxiously. His heart was beating so fast he swore he could have a heart attack there.
"Well, from all indications," Dr. Marley Rose continued. "I've got some good news and bad news."
Oh fuck.
"The bad news is...that you'd have to wait up to one whole month to regain most of it after getting surgery. And you'd have to come in here once or twice every week for a cautionary checkup on your healing progress which may seem hectic but it's mandatory—"
"Wait, what?" He blinked, flustered. "What are you saying? That I can regain my sight?"
"Most of it, actually." She hummed. "With your condition, it's medically impossible to regain all your sight but—"
Blaine's jaw dropped so low it reached South America.
He can see? He can see! HE CAN SEE!
"Oh my God," he gasped, frozen. "Are you serious right now? You're saying that...I can get most of my sight back?"
"Yes, I'll have to get in touch with the Eye Bank to be able to receive tissue from them and once I do, I'll contact you and set up an appointment to have surgery. You really are lucky, Blaine. There's an ample amount of corneas in the US so it shouldn't be a problem. I'll try to get it done first as soon as I can—"
"Thank you," he breathed, his voice whispery and shaky as his emotions took over. He can become a new man. He has a second chance. He can live again. And Kurt...god, I could finally see those blue eyes of his— "Thank you so much, oh god, I-I thought I'd never—"
"You're welcome," she exclaimed, shutting her clipboard. "And about that someone you said you met and fell for. Don't screw it up."
Never in a million years. A few tears welled up in his eyes as he let out a chocked laugh, still unable to process all this. "Oh god, I...I can't thank you enough—"
"It's okay," she smiled, now in one of those moments where she realizes how she truly loves her job. "C'mon, let's head back to my office down the hall and I'll give you a timeframe when your surgery would happen." She helped him up, the man depending on her and his cane as they trekked over to her office. He quickly asked about why he has been witnessing popping lights in his dark vision at various times recently but she could only tell him that it was an unexplained phenomenon. Before long, he was released and Santana rushed over to his side.
"Blaine, what's going on? Why do you look like you were crying? Oh god, don't tell me there's more bad news about your blindness—"
"What is the one thing that would make life easier?" Blaine's dimples appeared as he flashed his grin, resembling a five-year-old who discovered macaroni cheese.
Santana frowned. "You marrying Lady Hummel and having gorgeous babies together—"
"Well, that would make life easier for me." He half-joked, suddenly hit with an image of him and Kurt on their wedding day, Blaine now dumbfounded by the fact that if that does happen in the future, he'd be able to look into Kurt's eyes and stare at those ocean-blue eyes the entire time. "But no, I'm referring to what my doctor said."
"That you're diagnosed with having a fetish for slim yet sassy secretaries—"
"My God, I should just fire you now." He facepalmed. "Santana, just listen to me then. I..." A pause. "I'll be able to regain my eyesight."
Santana frowned. Is he drunk? "What?"
He felt-reached for her arm and gripped tightly. "The doctor said that I passed all the eye exams and tests and so, I can regain my eyesight within a month or so."
She blinked. "Wait, hold on a sec, I-I thought this was all just an ordinary checkup—"
"I lied," he guiltily muttered, peering down briefly. "I wanted to keep it all a surprise and I just didn't want to cause any false hope for you and Kurt. But now that I've heard the results..." he sighed contentedly. "I'll get to see you. And my penthouse, the city, the Towncar, my published book and—"
"Kurt," she breathed, heart heavy with emotion as she watched how the man's cheeks illuminated in a rosy red. "You'll finally get to see him."
He subtly nodded, overcome with how uncertain yet exciting his once-bleak future will be. "Well, technically, I'll only be able to regain most of my sight and I need to get surgery first—oof!"
He was interrupted by two pairs of strong arms enveloping his body and he laughed as Santana kissed his cheek, the woman shedding a single tear, both forgetting that they were still in the hospital's lobby and several people were staring at their embrace in confusion. "Oh my—OH MY GOD! YOU'LL GET TO SEE AGAIN! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!" Suddenly, she pulled back with a gasp and Blaine frowned.
"Wh-what is it?"
"Kurt. We have to get back home so you can break the news to Kurt! C'mon, we gotta go, Anderson!"
He broke into a fit of laughter as he felt himself pulled out of the lobby and into the fresh air outside, his best friend's heels clicking softly on the pavement.
Present
"So, Santana rushed to drive me back here to tell you and—" Blaine stopped his rambling, his nerves building up as he hasn't heard Kurt's reaction yet. God, Kurt...Kurt was everything to him.
"Wait wait, are you...trying to say..." He pulled away from Blaine's hands over their laps, the sudden burst of information had hit me so hard he needed to physically get back for a moment. "...that you'll be able to get...your eyesight back?"
For a moment, everything stood still. The Manhattan traffic grew quiet, the bedsheets no longer rustling as he moved, their conversation now in silence...
The blind man only managed a weak smile, tears welling up in those mesmerizing, oceanic eyes of his and he nodded slowly.
"It's a strong possibility, yes," he whispered, his voice shaky and wavering.
Kurt stares at him for a few more moments, blinking and trying to determine if this was all a dream or not.
"Kurt, I'd really like to hear you say something—mmph!"
Blaine's voice was blissfully interrupted when Kurt launched himself at him, lips meeting almost violently as shock and passion radiated from the kiss, Blaine immediately pulling Kurt into his arms as he'd waited for centuries for this day. He cupped Kurt's jaw with his strong firm hand, the touch making Kurt plunge into a whimpering mess. They continued like that, simply kissing, moving closer and embracing each other and they both felt the urge to pull back for oxygen.
When they did, Kurt cupped his cheeks and rested his forehead against his, their breathings still heavy while Blaine allowed them to stay like that for a moment, each enjoying the other's close proximity.
"So you said it could take up to a month to get most of your sight back?" Kurt's breath ghosted over his sensitive skin, the novelist shivering.
"Yeah, so by the time it's Christmas season, I'd be able to see again. I just need to get eye surgery and then after a month from that, I'd be able to see you, Kurt."
All of a sudden, a wave of insecurities struck the countertenor; sure, he was ecstatic that Blaine would be able to see but he couldn't help but feel vulnerable since Blaine would be able to see his scars now. To see how damaged he was after everything Karofsky did.
His thoughts were cut off when Blaine devoured his lips again, heavenly welcoming him in, Kurt felt tears prick behind his eyes. Blaine can see again. Oh god, he'll be able to see. He fisted his shirt in his hands, their lungs burning.
"Wait a second, you lied to me." Kurt called him out, pulling away, his boyfriend groaning when they parted. "You said it was just some semi-annual checkup—"
"I'm sorry," he felt his heart clench. "I've been keeping all this a secret from you and Santana for a whole week but in my defence, I wanted it to be a surprise and not cause any false hope."
Speak for yourself. Kurt slumped. I've been keeping a secret from Blaine too. About Sebastian and everyone at work.
"Oh wait, you didn't do this for me, did you? 'Cause, for one, it'd be very romantic and I know you, Blaine, you're always the cheesy one—" Blaine could only break into a grin at how adorable his lover was whenever he rambled. "—but when you do see me, you might not like what you see and it could lead to resentment and a nasty, horrible breakup like the one on The Bachelor. You told me you also watched it last year and I thought those two were gonna live together forever but—"
"Hey hey hey," Blaine gently held up his hands to calm his down. "I went to the doctor for me. Honestly, I originally wanted to do it for you but I realized that in order for us to work, I need to work on me first so I can be the man you deserve. And I did it because I can't stand another day not being able to see you, admire you, cherish you and love you."
Kurt bit his lip, giddy at the thought that Blaine truly meant what he said there.
"But don't you dare say I won't like what I see when I do...I'm not the shallow, cold man I once was." He soothingly ran a hand up and down Kurt's cardigan-clothed arm. "I've changed, Kurt. And ever since you knocked on my door all that time ago, I've fallen harder and harder and...I'm crazy about you."
"I guess we'll have to start spreading the news, huh?" Kurt bit back tears. "I can only imagine Nick, Jeff and Graham getting excited about this—"
"Soon, we'll tell them. Together," he clasped Kurt's hands in his tightly. "But right now, just stay with me...for a minute. Just you and me. Here."
Far too blissful and lost in Blaine's eyes, Kurt agreed.
Verbal communication was no longer necessary as they took the time to be enthralled by each other's presence there, Kurt running his fingers across Blaine's rugged features and the man gently moaning in appreciation.
"Say you'll wait for me." Blaine implored, his tone vulnerable and voice cracked. "Just one more month then I can truly be there for you." He sighed. "Wait for me, Angel."
"I'll always wait for you," Kurt hummed, diving back for another fiery kiss as Blaine unexpectedly growled, his hands hungrily unbuttoning Kurt's cardigan and shirt, loving how his lover tugged at his hair while he pulled back to bite down on the juncture between Kurt's neck and shoulder, eliciting a strangled cry of pleasure from him.
The next day
The Lincoln Towncar cruised down the streets of the Big Apple, Kurt not bothering to look out the window as he was preoccupied with the man beside him in the back, their hands linked together as another day of work begins. Rain was pouring over the crowded city as people ran from pavement to pavement with umbrellas, thick coats and scarves—anything to shield them from the cold, a sure sign that Fall was already in full motion.
Thanksgiving was happening this Thursday and Kurt hadn't been able to book online airfare for him and Rachel as they are planning to head back to Ohio for the holidays and since Kurt's dad had requested to meet his son's latest beau, Blaine was going to tag along and that meant Santana was joining them too. Kurt had expressed his anxiety over not being able to book plane tickets but Blaine simply left him hanging by ambiguously telling him not to fret about it all anymore.
The Towncar skids to a stop and true enough, the MountCrest Publishing building stood proud and defiant before it, Kurt briefly observing many of his co-workers already heading in during this rush hour for work and he quickly gathered his messenger bag and Thermos bottle—this Hummel needs his coffee.
His lover sighed, softly caressing Kurt's delicate cheek with the back of his left hand, his hypersensitivity kicking in. "Enjoy your day, babe."
Back to Sebastian and all those plastic people I work with...
"I'll see you later, okay?" Kurt beamed, kissing him on the forehead.
"Oh wait!" Blaine made Kurt freeze before he headed out. "Th-there's something else I need to tell you."
"Don't tell me it's another surprise—"
His lips were sealed when he watched Blaine fish out an envelope from his blazer's breast pocket, the soft ivory alluded to its fine quality and that made Kurt suspicious.
"Open it," he encouraged, his dimples emerging as his smile made Kurt almost melt again. Taking the envelope with a cautious yet excited glint in his eyes, it didn't take long for Kurt to rip it open and survey its contents: three return plane tickets to Lima Allen County Airport. His eyes went wide and his mouth fell open. First Class on American Airlines.
"You...you bought tickets for us—"
"—and Rachel, your roommate, yeah." He replied, nervous he didn't overstep. He was waiting for the shock to wear off and the madness to begin. Silence. Then it hit.
"Holy...oh my Gaga, Blaine, oh my—"
Kurt threw himself at him, seizing his lips amidst the chaos, kissing urgently and each tried to take control simultaneously. Parting briefly, Blaine heard Kurt whisper God, I love you and then, they were lost in the heat of the moment again. Hearing Santana clear her throat from the driver's seat, Kurt then realized that Blaine had only bought three tickets.
"Santana's not coming?"
"I'm staying here, Lady Hummel. Brittany and I want to spend Thanksgiving together in the big city," she explained. "Not in the mood for awkward family introductions there."
Blaine chuckled; Kurt rolled his eyes.
"So, you excited about Thanksgiving then, love?"
Kurt looked at his soulmate. Yes, he was his soulmate so shut up. "Rachel is gonna freak and I-I...I can't accept this. It's too much—"
"You will accept it and I won't take no for an answer," Blaine was adamant.
"But—"
"No buts. And after we get back from the holidays, I have a private meeting with Graham here about the book's publishing date, possibly having a local or national book tour and even tell him about my surgery. Now go, you don't want to be late."
Fuck, I can't let Blaine bump into that Sebastian troll. Kurt was torn. He didn't want to ruin the happiness they were experiencing now by telling him about what's up at work. I'll tell him everything. After the holidays.
"Okay, well at least let me pay you back for the tickets—"
"Shut up and get out, Night Sky." He husks lowly, a smirk forming when Kurt groans.
"But—"
He was abruptly silenced by a chaste kiss on the lips. "What did I say?" A finger to Kurt's mouth.
A/N: Blaine's getting his sight back? You're welcome:) Plus Kurt moves his stuff into Blaine's place, Klaine and Rachel (interesting pairing lol) visit Ohio and Blaine may or may not finally confess his deepest secret there—the reason why he became cold-hearted in the first place. And does anyone miss Klaine lovemaking? ;) Ch.20 starts with just that. Let me know what you think!